BEIJING — China’s service sector activity expanded in April, but at a slower pace, an official monthly survey showed on May 1.

The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for the nonmanufacturing sector fell to 53.4 in April, from 53.7 for March and 53.9 for February, according to a report released jointly by the National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 represents contraction.